Nebraska's Kerrey bows out of 2000 presidential race

OMAHA, Nebraska (AllPolitics) -- Nebraska Democratic Sen. Bob Kerrey announced Sunday that he will not seek the presidency in 2000.

Kerrey

Before an audience of about 150 supporters in Omaha, Kerrey said he believes he could have won the Democratic nomination but concluded he could better serve his home state by remaining in the Senate.

"My heart tells me at this time and in this place, it is right for me to continue the work I have begun," he said. "God and the people of Nebraska willing, my calling is to continue to serve as a United States senator."

Kerrey, 55, who won the Medal of Honor for his service in Vietnam, was first elected to the Senate in 1988, after serving one term as Nebraska governor. He sought the Democratic presidential nomination in 1992 but dropped out after fairing poorly in early primaries.

Though a Democrat, Kerrey's relationship with President Bill Clinton has sometimes been less than warm. He once called Clinton "an unusually good liar."

Kerrey's seat is up for re-election in 2000, which likely meant that he would have had to leave the Senate early to pursue the presidency.